As I Mayor, my first priority will be to get Edison’s finances in order and reduce taxes with a strategic, transparent, and data-driven approach. Here’s is my plan broken down into phases:
🧠1. Immediate Assessment (First 90 Days)
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Audit Finances: Commission a full independent audit of current expenditures, liabilities, and revenue sources.
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Transparency Dashboard: Launch a public-facing online dashboard showing the city’s income, spending, and debt.
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Engage the Public: Host town halls to understand residents’ priorities and communicate financial realities.
📉 2. Cost Reduction & Efficiency
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Department Reviews: Evaluate all departments for overlapping services, outdated processes, and inefficiencies.
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Zero-Based Budgeting: Require every department to justify their budget from scratch, not just incremental changes.
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Digital Transformation: Invest in technology to automate services and cut long-term costs (e.g., permitting, payroll etc.).
💸 3. Revenue Optimization (Without Raising Taxes)
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Economic Development: Attract and retain small businesses with incentives, zoning reform, and faster approvals.
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Grant Hunting: Aggressively pursue state/federal grants for infrastructure, energy, and public safety.
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Asset Review: Identify underused city assets (land, vehicles, buildings) for leasing or responsible sales.
📊 4. Debt Management & Long-Term Reform
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Debt Restructuring: Refinance high-interest city debt where possible to save money.
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Pension Reform Talks: Collaborate with unions to explore sustainable solutions for pensions without cutting retiree benefits.
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Reserve Fund: Begin building a rainy-day fund for future downturns.
🧮 5. Tax Relief Strategy
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Automated Property Tax Freeze for Seniors: Offer targeted relief while improving efficiency elsewhere.
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Incremental Reductions: Gradually reduce taxes as savings and new revenue sources allow.
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TIF Zones or PILOT Deals: Use tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to spark development without broad tax hikes.